Day #351 - Magnificat
The Presence - A Devotional for living in Thanksgiving, Worship and Wonder
“And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.””
Luke 1:46-55 NIV
Do you have a song that makes you want to fight or compete?
Do you have a go to song of praise and a song of resistance? I notice a lot of athletes like to listen to the same song or playlist before they compete. Music and songs have a way of inspiring us. Being caught up in wonder through sounds and lyrics can compel our souls to believe for great things. This is why competitors bring their hearts and minds to a place of inspiration so they can move forward to see their desired outcomes.
This passage in Luke is Mary’s song and known throughout church history at the “Magnificat” which means magnifies in Latin. Mary magnified the Lord because her soul was filled with joy at the goodness of God after leaving Elizabeth’s house with a Holy Spirit encounter. God had chosen little humble Mary from a small town to be the mother of His Son the Messiah. History would be changed for all but history was also changed for Mary. It was personal for her. God entrusted His eternal purposes to her.
Mary’s song is filled with awe and praise to God but it’s also a prophecy about how the humble and hungry will receive from God but the proud and earthly powerful will come under judgment. It’s a proclamation that the incarnation of Jesus we be God’s undoing of evil and corruption in this world.
“The Presence” is always personal but Jesus coming among us also had apocalyptic implications for the world. This song gives us meaning in the midst of dark times and brings inspiration and joy when the stakes are high. Mary would need a song for all her heart would endure as her son came to suffer. We need a song of Christ’s victory in our heart to give us endurance and strength when we face opposition. He is with us and the order of everything has changed. Magnify His name!
Father God, I magnify Your holy name! You see me and know me. Use me for Your purposes. Let me sing a song of victory for you have lifted up the humble and taken down the proud. You are worthy Lord! In Jesus name, amen.
“My soul magnifies the Lord…” ♥️🙏🏻